Fire destroys vacant house

October 19, 2013

A fire destroyed a two-story house in Eden Township early Friday morning.

The blaze at 3804 E. CR 16 was reported about 5:30 a.m., according to Seneca County Sheriff's Office.

Chief Bryan Clouse of Sycamore Volunteer Fire Department said the house was being renovated and was vacant at the time of the fire.

Article Photos

PHOTO BY JILL GOSCHEFirefighters work Friday at the scene of a house fire at 3804 E. CR 16.

The owners of the property are Robert and Nancy Boes, according to the Seneca County Auditor's Office website.

"(The homeowners) did have insurance," Clouse said.

Clouse, the first firefighter at the scene, said flames were coming out of the top roof line and out the eaves of the house's second story upon arrival. He estimated it took about an hour to get it under control.

"The second story's gone," he said.

Clouse said the department's investigative unit and State Fire Marshal's Office ruled the cause undetermined. He said it looked like the fire started somewhere on the second floor, but personnel were unable to get up there safely to make a determination.

"(It) doesn't appear to be suspicious," he said.

Personnel from Bloomville, Clinton and Sycamore fire departments, North Central Electric Cooperative, Seneca Community Chaplain Corps, Seneca County Sheriff's Office, Sycamore EMS and Tiffin EMS were summoned to the scene to assist.